Designing a website that everyone can use is more than just a best practice—it’s a necessity in today’s digital world. Whether you’re launching a blog, a business landing page, or a full-fledged e-commerce platform, the basics of accessibility and the choice of website templates play a major role in shaping user experience.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through what accessibility actually means, how it connects with template selection, and why both matter for website success. If you create, manage, or update websites—especially using website builders or no-code tools—this is for you.
Why Accessibility Matters for Modern Websites
Accessibility refers to designing websites so they’re usable by as many people as possible—including those with disabilities or impairments. But it’s more than meeting technical standards.
It’s about empathy and practical inclusivity. And, truthfully, sometimes accessibility isn’t top-of-mind when choosing a template or site builder. But maybe it should be—because, let’s face it, your audience is likely more diverse than you realize.
Legal Compliance and Broader Reach
Many countries require digital accessibility by law. For instance, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are key benchmarks.
But beyond compliance, accessible websites open your project to a wider group of users. More visitors can mean more conversions, better engagement, and—well—a more respected site.
Improved User Experience for Everyone
Ever noticed that good accessible design makes things easier for everyone? Clear navigation, alt-text, and smart color choices reduce frustration—even for people without disabilities.
I once tried a site with confusing contrast, and honestly, I just clicked out. Turns out, small adjustments make a big difference.
The Role of Website Templates in Accessibility
Templates are a starting point for many sites, especially with tools like Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress themes. But not all templates are created equal. Some prioritize visuals over function, while others integrate accessibility from the start. An accessible template covers core structural elements so you aren’t forced to fix them later.
Essential Accessibility Features in Templates
- Semantic HTML: Proper use of headings, lists, and sections for screen readers.
- Keyboard navigation: Users should move through menus and links without a mouse.
- Contrast and color: Sufficient text/background contrast for readability.
- Alt text support: Easy addition of descriptions for images.
- Scalable fonts: Users can adjust text size without breaking layouts.
Check for these features when browsing template marketplaces or builder libraries. Many sites, such as ThemeForest, also let you filter for accessibility-ready themes.
Popular Website Builders and Their Accessibility Options
Many modern website builders advertise accessible templates, but what does that mean in practice? Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect from some leading platforms. (There’s a lot of nuance, so you might want to test a few options before settling.)
| Builder | Accessibility Tools | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Wix | Autogenerated alt text, accessibility checker, skip to main content | Small businesses, portfolios |
| Squarespace | Semantic templates, ARIA labels, keyboard navigation | Creative pros, bloggers |
| WordPress (w/ Accessible Themes) | Large library, customizable plugins, detailed alt text | Blogs, eCommerce, anything |
| Webflow | Manual ARIA support, strong customization | Agencies, designers |
If you’re curious how these compare, check out our guide to the best no-code site builders (internal link).
How to Choose Accessible Website Templates
It can be tempting to pick the flashiest-looking template. (I’ve done it.) But function matters. Here’s what I recommend checking before you hit ‘install’ or ‘activate’.
Accessibility Statements and Demos
Some template creators provide clear accessibility statements or demo sites. Take advantage—test with your keyboard, zoom in on text, or use browser extensions like WAVE to spot obvious issues.
Regular Updates and Support
Templates that are regularly updated mean ongoing compliance with accessibility best practices. Support forums or direct contact options are a bonus, especially if you’re new to accessibility or web tech in general.
Customizability Without Breaking Accessibility
Look for templates that let you swap out fonts, colors, or layout elements without stumbling into difficult code or accessibility pitfalls. Some templates “break” as soon as you make changes—always preview your edits!
Hands-on Tips for Making Your Template More Accessible
No template is perfect out of the box. Sometimes you’ll need to tweak it—or at least be aware of common areas that can cause trouble. These are actionable steps for non-coders and pros alike.
- Add alt text to every image
- Use clear heading structures (H1, H2, H3, never skip levels)
- Test keyboard navigation—tab through the site
- Choose readable fonts and avoid small text
- Ensure sufficient color contrast
- Describe all buttons and links (no ambiguous ‘click here’)
- Enable focus indicators for navigation
For deeper checks, automated tools like Lighthouse (built into Chrome DevTools) or axe can scan your site and flag common issues.
Common Accessibility Pitfalls with Website Templates
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to overlook something. For example, carousels and sliders—popular in many templates—often don’t work well with assistive devices if not coded carefully. Modals and pop-ups are another tricky spot. If you’re ever in doubt, ask real users for feedback or consult an expert.
Accessibility vs. Aesthetics—Finding a Balance
Let’s be honest. Sometimes, accessibility tweaks can feel restrictive if you love bold visuals. But you don’t have to sacrifice creativity. There’s room for beauty and function, especially as modern design tools evolve. It just takes a bit more intention—or patience—than blindly using default options.
Monetization: Accessibility and AdSense Performance
There’s a business benefit to all this, too. Accessible websites tend to have lower bounce rates and higher user satisfaction, which can boost your AdSense RPM. Google has even clarified that accessibility is considered a quality signal for ranking purposes. So by improving usability, you could be directly improving site revenue. That said, I’ve seen sites with flashy effects do well—and others frustrate huge segments of visitors.
Balancing Ads and Accessibility
Place ads where screen readers won’t get stuck. Label images used in ads, and avoid auto-playing or moving ad elements that could disrupt user flow. Also, keep ad density reasonable—too many can make a site hard to use, especially for keyboard-only visitors.
Useful Resources for Accessible Web Templates
- W3C Web Accessibility Initiative —Deep guides and standards
- Harvard’s Accessibility Template Guidelines
- The A11Y Project —Community-driven accessibility advice
And for more practical tips about building and optimizing your site, try our website SEO checklist (internal link).
Conclusion: Build for Everyone, Grow Your Site
Choosing an accessible website template isn’t just ticking a box. It’s about broadening your reach, building goodwill, and avoiding future headaches. Each tool or platform offers different strengths, but what really matters is ongoing attention and care.
Ready to start? Browse accessible templates in your favorite builder, run a quick accessibility audit, or just pick one small improvement to make today. Not sure where to start? See our in-depth guide to accessible website design ! (internal link)
